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Difficulty: EasyIdentifying Points of Agreement

### Coral Bleaching Debate

Scientist 1
Mass coral bleaching is primarily driven by rising sea surface temperatures (SST) due to global climate change. When SST exceeds a threshold of 30∘C30^\circ\text{C}, the symbiotic zooxanthellae algae are expelled from the host coral, leading to bleaching. Although local factors like agricultural runoff can stress corals, they only cause localized damage and cannot trigger mass bleaching events.

Scientist 2
Agricultural fertilizer runoff is the primary cause of mass coral bleaching. Increased nitrogen levels in runoff stimulate excessive algal growth, which disrupts the coral-zooxanthellae relationship. While rising SST (>30∘C>30^\circ\text{C}) exacerbates this disruption, elevated temperatures alone do not cause mass bleaching without high nutrient levels.

Based on the passage, both Scientist 1 and Scientist 2 would agree with which of the following statements?

  1. A
    Rising sea surface temperatures are the primary driver of mass coral bleaching.
  2. Sea surface temperatures exceeding 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} contribute to the disruption of the coral-zooxanthellae relationship.Answer
  3. C
    Agricultural fertilizer runoff is the primary cause of mass coral bleaching.
  4. D
    Temperatures below 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} are the main trigger of mass bleaching events.

Answer

Both scientists agree that sea surface temperatures exceeding 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} contribute to the disruption of the coral-zooxanthellae relationship.
Both scientists agree that temperatures above 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} play a role in coral bleaching. Scientist 1 states that temperatures exceeding this threshold lead to the expulsion of zooxanthellae. Scientist 2 states that temperatures above this threshold exacerbate the disruption of the coral-zooxanthellae relationship. Therefore, both agree that temperatures exceeding 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} contribute to the disruption of this relationship.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the position of Scientist 1 regarding temperatures above 30∘C30^\circ\text{C}.
Scientist 1 states that exceeding 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} leads to the expulsion of zooxanthellae, which disrupts the coral relationship.
To identify Scientist 1's view on the effect of the temperature threshold.
2
Analyze the position of Scientist 2 regarding temperatures above 30∘C30^\circ\text{C}.
Scientist 2 states that temperatures above 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} exacerbate the disruption of the coral-zooxanthellae relationship.
To identify Scientist 2's view on the effect of the temperature threshold.
3
Compare the viewpoints to find a shared statement.
Both scientists agree that temperatures exceeding 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} play a role in disrupting the relationship.
To determine the common point of agreement.

Key Concept

Identifying Points of Agreement
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Identifying Points of Agreement

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